File photo S-400 missile defence system
The S-400 missile defence system is considered as the world’s most dangerous operationally deployed modern long-range surface-to-air missile system.
The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 systems. The missile system, manufactured by Almaz-Antey, has been in service in Russia since 2007.
The first buyer of the upgraded version of Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system was China. It was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of an undisclosed number of the S-400 missile systems to Beijing.
Now, Indian government is reportedly about to sign a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to purchase five S-400 missile defence systems, chiefly to secure India's 4000 km long border with China.
The S-400 missile defence system is intended to act as a shield against incoming ballistic missiles. The Russian-built S-400 Triumf — identified by NATO as the SA-21 Growler — is considered much more effective than the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system developed by the US.
The S-400 is a mobile system that integrates a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and a command and control centre. It can be deployed within five minutes, and is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence.
It can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ballistic and cruise missiles within a range of 400 km, at an altitude up to 30 km. It can simultaneously track 100 airborne targets, including super fighters such as the US-built F-35, and engage six of them at the same time.
The S-400 was made operational in 2007, and is responsible for defending Moscow. It was deployed in Syria in 2015 to guard Russian and Syrian naval and air assets. Units have also been stationed in the Crimean peninsula.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among others negotiating for the S-400; Iraq and Qatar, too, have shown interest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to ink the contract with Russia during its President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi, which begins today.
